The Importance of Defining Selection Criteria

Defining Selection Criteria for every position you need to fill is a critical – and perhaps the most important – step in your hiring process. Consider this; if you haven’t defined exactly what you are looking for, how will you know when you find it?  

Establishing well-defined selection criteria:

  • Ensures you are clear on what knowledge, skills and attitudes are most critical to be successful in the job
  • Creates consistency in the way each of the applicants is assessed
  • Helps you to remain focused on assessing candidates against only job-related success factors
  • Helps you write effective interview questions in a structured manner
  • Inhibits bias from entering into decision-making processes resulting in better hires

Here are a few tips to support you in writing selection criteria:

  • Ensure the statements are measurable and differ from what you would normally see in the job description
  • Begin with the following types of phrases:
    • The candidate demonstrates the ability to…
    • The candidate demonstrates an appreciation of…

Want to learn more? Check out the following samples and identify which statements match the following positions: finance manager, bus driver, executive assistant or teacher.

  • The candidate demonstrates knowledge of how to create financial statements and balance sheets
  • The candidate demonstrates evidence of having a strong understanding of the importance of culturally diverse learning programs for all students
  • The candidate demonstrates an ability to communicate a message clearly and concisely in both written and oral form
  • The candidate demonstrates their value of a standard of care and cleanliness within the bus and appreciates how the state of the bus impacts students

Interested in learning more? Check out the resources on the EduSelect site or give us a call for support. Happy hiring!

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